Justice News

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three for Defacing Federal Property

In San Antonio, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging three individuals for allegedly defacing the San Antonio Mission National Historical Park Visitor’s Center last month, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Superintendent Mardi Arce and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.

The indictment charges 20-year-old Gabriella Petra Fritz, 21-year-old Sydney Elizabeth Faris and 19-year-old Andres Castaneda with one count of depredation of Government property. The indictment alleges that from June 21-22, 2018, the defendants willfully used spray paint to deface the Visitor’s Center at Mission San Jose and signage resulting in damages exceeding $1,000.

The defendants face up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction. No court dates have been scheduled.

The National Park Service and the San Antonio Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government in coordination with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office concerning damage to both federal and non-federal property (Mission San Juan).

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.